Warner to join Australia A squad

The Cricket Australia National Selection Panel (NSP) today advises that David Warner will be released from the Australian Ashes squad on the VB Tour of England to join the Australia A squad in Africa to play a Zimbabwe XI and South Africa A.

Warner will depart later this week and link up with Australia A in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Commenting on the decision, National Selector John Inverarity said: "David has trained hard and been very supportive of the team and his team-mates during the past few weeks, but his preparation for the First Test was not ideal. He is in need of match practice and runs in the longer format and the Australia A games in Zimbabwe and South Africa will provide him with the best possible opportunity."

"David remains a member of the Ashes Squad and will return to the England at an appropriate time once we're happy he has had adequate preparation in match conditions.

"Steve Smith will stay on with the Ashes squad for the full tour in England. As a consequence of this Aaron Finch will take over the captaincy of Australia A while Alex Doolan has been promoted to vice-captain."

"The NSP also announces that Ashton Agar has become an official member of the Ashes squad for the series," Inverarity said.

When cricket lovers wake on Thursday, they will be consumed with excitement. A concoction of nerves, energy and enthusiasm overcome in readiness for the first day of the Australian Test summer. For Australian and English supporters, there is extra emotion attached for an Ashes series.

Australia captain Michael Clarke was a relieved man after hitting his 8th ODI century in an 88-run win over England at Old Trafford as he played a key role in his first victory over a Test nation in seven months.